Jelena Jankovic has ensured her place in the quarter-finals of the Italian Open by beating Flavia Pennetta 6-2 6-3 in the third round.

Jankovic nabbed a break point at the first time of asking, but Pennetta was able to immediately bounce back with a break of her own.

Games remained level as both players secured yet another break apiece, but it was Jankovic who moved on top by forcing another two break points to wrap up the first set.

Jankovic continued her dominance as Pennatta lost her first service game of the second set, but the 32-year-old nabbed a double break to keep herself in contention.

However, Jankovic recovered by grabbing a further two breaks to win the set and clinch the match.